Chapter 6 The shopping

Lance’s POV…

After leaving Ruby's apartment, I drive back to the Lemon Bar. For the first time in my life, I am furious with Ruby.

She is just making a fuss out of nothing.

I can’t believe she lied about feeling uncomfortable just to make me go to her.

She did so because I didn’t talk to her properly on the phone.

Damn… Can’t she be more reasonable?

I was not able to talk to her at the time because my mom and grandma were at home. I can't always be available to her. She should be aware of it.

My frustration is growing.

'Women only know how to whine,' I mutter to myself.

Molly could have stopped me from going. She was clinging to me out of fear. When the light was restored, she resumed her bold demeanor and pretended as if nothing had happened. I wouldn't have left if she had said she wanted me to be with her. I would have come up with an excuse to turn Ruby down.

But no…

She asked me to leave. She has been displaying her bravery more frequently since her return. Molly is not the same person I knew three years ago. She is no longer submissive.

It is appealing and irritating at the same time. Right now, I don’t want to go back to her. That’s why I come back to my friend’s bar.

My friend, Jack, is a tease. I know he will not stop making fun of me, and I don’t care. I walked into the private room where I used to sit and ordered a drink.

After a while, Jack walks in, and I grimace as I notice the meaningful grin on his face. He is in a full-on mood to mock me.

"Hey, buddy. You are back again." He slaps me on the shoulder as he takes a seat next to me.

I sip my drink, not bothering to respond.

"I thought you left early to have fun with your wife," he scoffs. "But you came back."

His words only fueled my rage. I glare at him and warn him not to mess with me. But he laughs despite my warning.

"Buddy, you should talk to Molly. Sort out your problems. You will find a solution."

This is too much. I cannot take it anymore. I don’t need Jack’s advice to resolve issues between me and Molly.

"I went home to change my shirt," I deliberately lie. "Don't make any assumptions. Molly is the one who wants to divorce me. I'm just fulfilling her wish."

I act unconcerned as if nothing is bothering me.

"I see." He nods. "You made up your mind to end this marriage. Okay, what can I say if you both are happy with it?" He grins before saying the next words, "Well, I’d like to ask you something. Are you okay with someone dating her now that you have decided to leave her?"

His last sentence jolts my nerves. I gripped the glass tightly, wishing to smash it on top of his head. He dares to ask me to date, my wife.

I would have killed him if he had not been a friend.

"I am not okay. I will kill you if I see you around her." I slam the glass on the table and storm out.

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The day of the party...

Molly’s POV…

Lance asked me to go shopping, which surprised me. I don’t need a dress, though. Besides, I didn't expect him to buy me a dress. I noticed his reluctance when mom asked him to take me shopping. I wanted to turn him down. Then I thought he was doing it to obey his mother.

My mother-in-law is special to me. I cannot upset her either. So, I decided to go with him.

After a half-hour drive, we arrive at a boutique.

The shopkeeper is a lovely young lady my age. She seems to be friendly. I immediately liked her cheerful appearance.

Many dresses are hanging on the hangers. All the dresses are elegant, with distinct designs. I like them all. Choosing one of these is difficult for me.

The shopkeeper assisted me in making my selection.

It's a backless white dress with a halter neckline.

"Try it. It will look good on you." She beams.

I try on the dress, which gives me a striking appearance. At the same time, it gracefully accentuates my curves. I like it and am thinking of purchasing it. But I forget that someone else is here who will decide which dress I should and should not wear.

Lance immediately asks me to change the dress.

"What? I like it."

"Don’t make me repeat myself," he warns me sternly.

The shopkeeper hands me another dress.

I am not at all happy. Yet, I enter the changing room to change my dress.

The dress leaves my shoulders uncovered. It is a snug fit and has a tube style. It is elegant and stylish.

I thought he would like it, but he just dismissively waved his hand.

Now, I am inside the changing room once again with a new dress in my hands. I look at myself in the mirror, my face flushed with rage.

Why is he making a fuss? Can't he just let me wear whatever I want?

I fume, but I slip into the pink gown I brought with me. I didn’t check the dress properly as it was going to be useless. After all, he is going to check it.

I walk out of the changing room.

The grimace on his face makes me sigh. He is going to reject it again.

"What? You don't like it either!" I snap.

He responds flatly with "No..."

I didn’t know that he was so picky. I feel sorry for the shopkeeper, who appears helpless.

I turn to face Lance and glower at him. "This is the last dress I'll try on. If you don’t like it, I will simply walk out."

I had no idea how loud I was until I noticed the other customers staring at me strangely. I self-consciously glance at them. This irritates me even more. I return to the changing room after casually selecting a dress.

"Why is he acting like this?" I mutter furiously. "He is simply annoying me, not helping me choose a dress."

I changed into the dress.

It is a sleeveless ball gown with long back zip. I try to zip up, but I'm not sure why I can't.

"What the hell? Why is not the zip working?" My fury intensified with my inability to zip it up.

I sigh and give up. I glance back at the door and call out to the shop owner. "Can you please come and help me?"

I unlock the door.

When I didn't hear back from her, I assumed she hadn't heard me.

I call out again, "Excuse me. The zip is stuck. Could you please help me?"

The door opens with a squeak. I was expecting the shopkeeper. But it is Lance who walks in.

I freeze and gape at his towering stature, which is oppressive inside this small room.